Federal Incentives For Wind Set To Expire Soon

sioux falls, sd

Wind energy advocates and South Dakota congressional members are worried that key federal incentives for wind power could expire in less than two weeks as negotiations over the fiscal cliff dominate lawmakers' efforts.

The Production Tax Credit provides a 2.2-cent tax break for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced from large-scale wind farms.

Sen. Tim Johnson says the Senate Finance Committee included an extension of the credit through 2013, but it's wrapped in the 21 other extenders.

The South Dakota Democrat says delays have hampered growth and led to layoffs. He says stable policy will lead to more jobs in the state.

The American Wind Energy Association says a new U.S. manufacturing sector and 37,000 jobs could be lost by the first quarter of 2013 if Congress fails to act.